October 26, 1915

“Gus, you bought another saloon, the Oasis. Is that three now? On January 1, the state will be dry. What’s the plan then?”

He shrugged his shoulders and pushed a cold mug of beer across the bar top to me. “It’s what I do. I invest in businesses and properties. The building is worth more than the saloon. Someone will rent it. I’m selling California wine and brandy at half price, $2.50 a gallon. I can unload all my liquor stock.”

“Are you still thinking of joining your brother in California?”

“I could. I’m still considering it. I heard du Bois was thinking of going to Honolulu, Hawaii. That would be a change of pace, especially in the winter.”

“I’ll miss him. He’s a good mate.”

“Julius, are you staying?”

“I am. I like walking on solid ground more than a ship’s deck. He’ll be at sea most of the time. I’d be looking for another job. I should find a second one here instead.”

“And Corina?”

“I told her I would stay for a while.”

“Tough situation, but good for you. She needs support. JJ is a scoundrel.”

As if right on cue, JJ walked through the door into the saloon. With a truculent scowl, he weaved too close to me and said with whiskey breath, “The godfather,” then spit on the floor.

“Use the spittoon,” Gus snapped.

“You better watch your step limey. Adultery is a crime in this state punishable with six months in jail and more if I have my way.”

“I’m not guilty by any stretch of your imagination.”

“You spent a lot of time gazing at the moon. I’ll catch you in the act and then get you both.”

I just stared back at him and wanted to punch his face in.

“Gimmie a whiskey, Gus.”

“Your money isn’t any good here. Out the door, now!” Gus had the baseball bat resting on the bar in an instant.

JJ laughed, “I’ve got the ace in the hole, sport.” Then he staggered out.

“Bastard,” Gus hissed.

“I have to use your telephone, Gus.”

“Sure, it’s number 23, if you need it.”

I ran around the bar top and picked up the receiver. “Central? Oh, hi Angela. Yes, Corina, please. Good to talk to you too.” There was a pause.

Corina answered with a, “Hello?”

“Corina, it’s me, Julius.”

“What a pleasant surprise. This the first time you’ve called me.”

“It’s a party line so I’ll keep it quick and simple. You never know who maybe needing the line or… listening. I truly enjoyed helping with the baby and looking at the full moon with you the other night. It stared down at us almost like someone was watching us.”

“Oh,” she said startled. Then recovering, “I enjoyed it too and you’re so helpful with picking up things for the baby. Can you join me for tea today?”

“Perhaps tomorrow would be better, since your husband is back in town.”

“Of course, that’s very thoughtful of you. I’ll have lunch at the Cabin.”

“I’ll be working.”

“Oh good, we can chat then. Thank you for calling. Goodbye Julius.”

I said, “Goodbye Corina,” and rang off.

“The drunken bastard has a private dick following you and the fool showed his hand, right?” Gus questioned.

“Yep,” I replied and took a sip of my beer.